How to Use a Pringles Can

Written by jo burns

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Gift wrap transforms a simple can into a beautiful container. (Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images)

Finding ways to reuse common household objects is one way to reduce the amount of trash you generate, save money and exercise your creative muscles. Pringles cans are ideal supplies for children's craft projects. Kids can use them to make a pencil holder or a vase for Mom, but their usefulness isn't limited to simple crafts. With a little more imagination, a common crisp container can become an impressive work of art.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Things you need

Measuring tape

Scissors

Decorative paper

Craft paintbrush

White craft glue

Paring knife

Dry beans

Can opener

Yarn

Felt

Package bow

Lace trim

Chrome spray paint

Hot glue gun and sticks

Picture hangers

Bubble level

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Instructions

Piggy Bank

1

Measure the height and diameter of the can -- use either a large or single-serving size can of Pringles. Add 2 inches to the diameter measurement. Cut a piece of decorative paper according to those dimensions. Choose from gift wrap, newspaper, construction paper or plain brown craft paper.

2

Paint a line of glue along the top and bottom edge of the can. Wrap the paper around the can, and glue the loose edge of the paper to the can.

3

Cut a 1-inch gash in the centre of the lid with a paring knife to deposit coins and folded cash.

Musical Shaker

1

Glue a piece of decorative paper onto the can.

2

Pour approximately 1/2 cup of dried beans into the can. Also experiment with rice, marbles, small rocks or anything that makes a rattling sound. Put on the plastic lid, and shake the can. Add or subtract beans until you get the sound you like.

3

Run a bead of glue on the inner edge of the plastic lid. Place it firmly on the can, and allow it to dry completely before using.

Holiday Card Holder

1

Remove the bottom of the can with a can opener and discard it. Place the plastic lid aside.

2

Wrap the entire can with a festive colour of yarn by pushing a small yarn ball up through the bottom, out of the top, over the side and back around to the bottom. Leave a 6-inch tail of yarn dangling at the bottom of the can as you wrap.

3

Cut the yarn from the ball when the can is completely covered. Tie the end with the dangling tail, hiding the knot on the inside of the can.

4

Trace a circle of felt using the plastic lid as a pattern. Cut out the circle, and glue it to the lid. Place the lid on the can, and glue a piece of lace trim around the edge of the lid. Finish the decorations by pressing an adhesive-backed bow in the centre of the lid.

5

Slip one edge of a holiday card through a strand of yarn, positioning the strand in the fold of the card. Display dozens of cards this way, depending on how many wraps of yarn it took to cover the can. The more cards there are, the more attractive the effect will be.

Industrial-Style Wall Sculpture

1

Collect several Pringles cans in a variety of sizes. Secure the lids with a bead of craft glue on the inside rim.

2

Place the cans on the floor to determine the sculpture's design. Group them together in odd numbers, and experiment with placing the groups in both horizontal and vertical lines. Position them so the cans in individual groups are all level with each other and so they create diagonal lines or chevron designs. Take your time experimenting with the cans until you have a pleasing design, and then draw a picture or take a photo so you can replicate it.

3

Spray paint the cans with a metallic chrome paint. Allow them to dry thoroughly. The cans will look like pieces of metal pipe.

4

Regroup the cans according to your plan. Run a bead of hot glue along the sides to attach them to each other.

5

Hot glue a picture hanger to the back of each group's centre can. If you made groups of more than three cans, also glue a hanger on the outermost cans. Place a bubble level on the grouping to mark level lines where the hangers should go. Hang the sculpture on the wall according to your plan.